well I was having trouble getting my edges straight and squares squared up etc. so I decided to put a seam edge on my sewing machine to try to get my seams straighter. I haven't used my new viking much had it a year but just couldn't get comfortable with it so I have been using it more lately; anyway I put down several layers of masking tape to give me an edge to push fabric up against (couldn't find a stack of post it notes close by) it get a better 1/4 seam. Low and behold what I had been using was not 1/4 it was more like 1/8 inch no wonder my stuff wasn't coming out right. :hunf: now with the tape to guide me along I am getting straight seams. and things are squaring up right....

Amazing!!! (I did the same thing)

Isn't it amazing when the :idea: goes on!! I've had many of those moments and often wondered what took me so long!! :lol:

Isn't amazing how when you think it is correct ,and then find after all this time it wasn't :shock: I am still struggling to find my "true" 1/4 on my machine. Still playing around with it :thumbup:

I finally bought a 1/4" foot for my machine and that sure has made a difference.

I also bought the 1/4" foot for my Viking and like sunflower, it really made a difference. I have to adjust my needle setting to 2.8 but my seams have been straight. I had used the tape or post'it notes, too, but the 1/4" foot is really easier and more accurate for me.

I have Viking also, Designer 1 and 1+. Love my machines.

my A foot does scant 1/4 inch and my 1/4 inch piecing foot does exact.

I bought the 1/4 in foot with the guide and loved it, but then I noticed that the guide was slipping off the little bump that held it in place and my quarter in. seam had become wider and wider. I didn't notice it at first so naturally some of my piecing was really affected. I finally realized what was happening when the guide popped off. Since then I have used the etched red line on the same foot and all is going well.

I have a brother SE350 and my N foot does a perfect 1/4 inch foot and my J foot does a perfect scant 1/4 inch. Those are only on the right side of the foot so I have to be careful about the design and such but other than that I don't have any trouble with those aspects.

ReRe

ReRe I did not know their was such a foot as a scant 1/4". I have patterns that call for that. I will have to look for one. Learn something on here every day.

This has nothing to do with presser feet--I am sitting here laughing at the cat with the headphones in debbieumphress avatar. Maybe I'm just bored today but it sure it making me laugh. LOL

I think we have all had these moments!!! I am happy that you found a method that is working so well for you :D:D:D

I just talked to ReRe on the phone and she made my Light bulb turn on :thumbup: Thank you for explaining this to me :lol: Sometimes I just need that 2x4 upside the head :shock:
THANK YOU for explaining it to me

yes, this foot is wonderful, I would be lost without it.

that's my next purchase

I like that cat listening to music too. He is so cute. I have almost finished a quilt top that I like so will be posting pictures soon.

I use painter's tape on my machine to mark either the 1/4"seam or the scant 1/4". Pulls right off and leaves no residue

I swear by by 1/4 foot for my viking designer se!

I use painter's tape and run that blue tape from front to back and it works like a charm. Edie

I had the same trouble until I invested in my 1/4 inch foot. Whatever I paid for it, it's been worth it many times over. It made a HUGE difference in my piecing.

If you'd like to improve on your 1/4" guide, try cutting a piece of moleskin or find a small acrylic ruler and attach a scant 14" from your needle on your machine base.

Love my 1/4 " foot.

I have to get a 1/4 inch foot for my Viking. I have been using a small strip of
moleskin rather than masking tape...moleskin one strip on top of the other, it does get sticky and has to be replaced frequently. I am going for the 1/4 inch foot, you all have certainly been giving it rave reviews.

NorseSal, Yes, It's worth its weight in gold.

Don't know what I'd do without my 1/4 inch sewing foot. Even so, I still have to *watch it!*

D I T T O !!!!!!!!!!!

yes, it is so cute.

Yes, it's amazing how the right tool makes a job so much easier. Whatever it costs it usually well worth it.

I know Viking makes a quarter inch guide foot ... it has a flange on the side to help you keep the fabrics in place. I just bought my daughter one for her Viking and she loves it!

I'm a few days late reading this thread but when I got to reading your post, I had to laugh again...as I was sitting and chuckling at the kitty before reading yours.........

lololol...mj

I know just what you mean. I had a terrible time with me seams til I did the same thing.